PS Susan Mang’eni Rallies MSMEs to Embrace Technology for Global Competitiveness
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By John Kariuki
Nairobi — Principal Secretary for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, has called on Kenya’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to embrace digital technology as a pathway to scale, visibility, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the inaugural Women in STEM Africa Summit hosted by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, PS Mang’eni underscored the government’s commitment to digital transformation as a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth.
“Digital adoption is no longer optional for MSMEs—it’s the gateway to new markets and sustainability,” she said. “We are building the infrastructure and policy framework to support every entrepreneur in accessing the digital economy.”
She cited the Digital Superhighway initiative, which will lay 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable across all wards, as a key enabler of last-mile digital connectivity.
Mang’eni also urged MSMEs to formalize operations to better access financing, intellectual property protections, and government programs. She highlighted the proposed Startup Bill, now before the Senate, which will establish a one-stop agency to support startups from ideation to market.
James Ayugi, a leading tech entrepreneur also present at the summit, encouraged MSMEs to adopt global strategies and pursue strategic partnerships from the outset.
PS Mang’eni further urged MSMEs to register on the government’s e-Procurement portal to access public tenders, noting that digital procurement will boost transparency and inclusivity.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and innovation networks to uplift women in STEM and scale MSME impact across Africa.
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